Bifold door installations

Aluminium bifold doors are a good option if you want a large glass opening without losing strength or slim sightlines. Because aluminium is strong, it allows for slimmer frames that can hold bigger glass panels. This means you get more glass, better views, and a cleaner look compared to many older door systems. The main downside is the price. Aluminium bifold doors usually cost more than basic uPVC options, so they are not always the best fit for every project. In our experience, the extra cost is worth it when the doors are a key feature and will be used often.

It's important to think about thermal performance and not just assume aluminium is always cold. Modern aluminium doors have thermal breaks between the inside and outside sections, which help reduce heat loss. The type of glass, seals, and how the doors are installed matter just as much. For large openings or modern extensions, we usually suggest aluminium. If you have a smaller opening and budget is your main concern, a good uPVC system might be a better value.

The price depends on things like the width of the opening, how many panels you want, the frame material, the type of glass, the threshold, and whether any structural work is needed. Replacing doors in an existing opening is much easier than removing a wall to create a new one.

As a rough guide for the UK in 2026, a three-panel bifold door installed costs about £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the material. Five-panel aluminium systems are around £5,000 to £7,000. If you need to create or widen an opening, that can add several thousand pounds. These are just general estimates, not exact quotes.

We recommend getting a detailed quote rather than just the basic door price. Make sure the quote shows whether it includes the frame, glass, threshold, delivery, removal of old doors, fitting, and any structural changes. If you need made-to-measure doors, the survey is very important. Even small differences in the opening can change what you need and how much it will cost.

Modern bifold doors can be energy efficient, but it's not just about how much glass they have. The whole system matters: frame design, thermal breaks, glass, seals, threshold, and installation all play a part in how well the doors keep in heat. The doors we install can have double or triple glazing, thermal breaks, and weather seals. These features help reduce heat loss and stop unwanted drafts.

We've found that some homeowners worry bifold doors will make a room colder because of all the glass. This is understandable, but modern insulated glass works much better than the single glazing used in older doors and windows. We suggest choosing your glass based on the direction your property faces and the level of insulation you need. South or west-facing doors might need solar-control glass to keep rooms from getting too hot in summer, while other sides may need glass that retains more heat.

Yes, as long as the system is well designed, specified, and installed. Large glass areas can make some people worry about security, but modern bifold doors have multi-point locks, security glass options, and strong frames that offer much better protection than many older patio doors. Our bifold systems include multi-lock mechanisms, and the page states that the sliding and folding doors are kite-marked and security tested to meet PAS 24 standards.

We suggest focusing on the type of glass and locks you choose. Toughened glass is stronger and, if it breaks, it shatters into small pieces. Laminated security glass offers an additional layer of protection because its inner layer holds the glass together if it breaks. Installation is also very important. Even the most secure door needs to be properly fixed to a strong structure. That's why we look at the whole opening as part of our security check, not just the door itself.

There isn't a single best choice. We suggest picking based on how you plan to use the space. Bifold doors can open up most of the wall, folding the panels to the side. This works well if you want to connect your kitchen, extension, or living room to the garden. Sliding doors usually keep more of the glass area visible when closed and can give you very wide views. However, the panels slide behind each other, so you can't open the whole space at once.

In our experience, the way you arrange your furniture often decides which door is best. Bifold doors need space for the panels to stack when open, while sliding doors need space for the panels to slide behind each other. The direction the doors open is important too. We can help you compare sliding and bifold options, since the best choice depends on your home and how you plan to use the space.

Yes. A low or flush threshold can make a big difference, especially when the doors connect your home to a patio or garden. The lower step makes it easier to get in and out, which is helpful for children, older people, or anyone with limited mobility. Our aluminium bifold systems can be installed with a fully weatherproof flush threshold onto an existing patio or courtyard.

However, there is an important trade-off. The threshold needs to handle water, drainage, and weather, as well as provide easy access. We don't recommend a completely flush threshold without first checking the outside ground levels, drainage, and the degree of exposure of the opening. That's why our team checks how the inside floor, threshold, and outside patio all fit together during the survey. In some homes, a low-weathered threshold is a better choice, as it makes access easier while still protecting against heavy rain.

Yes. Made-to-measure bifold doors are great if your opening isn't a standard size or if you want a specific panel layout, colour, or threshold style. Select Window Systems offers both custom-built and standard bifold doors. Custom options give you more flexibility, but they can cost more and take longer to deliver.

We usually suggest made-to-measure doors if you're replacing an old opening or building a large extension. Getting the panel sizes right can really improve how the doors look and work. But there is a trade-off. Standard systems are often cheaper and quicker to get. If your opening is already a standard size, you might not need to pay extra for a custom-made door. In our experience, getting accurate measurements is more important than just choosing the biggest doors. You need to consider panel weight, opening width, access, panel stacking and structural support.

There are many more choices now than just white or anthracite-grey. Our aluminium doors can be powder-coated in over 200 RAL colours, and you can also choose dual-colour, metallic, or textured finishes. We like powder coating for bifold doors because it provides a tough finish that withstands the weather much better than regular paint. The powder is applied and then baked on, creating a strong surface that resists everyday wear.

The main choice is whether you want a standard colour or something more unique. Standard colours like black, anthracite grey, and white usually cost less, while custom finishes can raise the price. Our advice is to consider the doors alongside the rest of the property. Matching the bifold frames to existing windows can create a coherent appearance, while a contrasting finish can deliberately make the opening a feature. Select Window Systems also offers dual colours and a range of metallic and textured finishes for customers wanting a more distinctive result.